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New data points to a rise in the number of domestic abuse reports in Ireland. There have been over 17,900 incidents of domestic abuse reported so far in 2026 (up to the end of April). This represents a 10 per cent increase compared to the first four months of 2025.
There were over 52,600 incidents of domestic abuse reported altogether in 2025; this was a 6 per cent increase on the number of incidents reported in 2024. This equates to over 1,000 domestic abuse reports made every single week in 2025.
There have been over 920 arrests for domestic abuse in the first four months of 2026. This represents an increase of 10 per cent when compared with arrests made for domestic abuse in the first four months of 2025.
There were more than 13,350 charges or summons created in 2025 arising from domestic abuse incidents. This was a 2 per cent increase on 2024 figures. In the first four months of 2026, there have been over 4,900 charges or summons associated with domestic abuse incidents. This is an increase of 14 per cent compared to those created in the first four months of 2025.
Go Purple Day was initiated six years ago by a community policing Garda, Stacey Looby who was working in Navan at the time, and recognised the impact the pandemic restrictions were having on people living in fear. To mark Go Purple Day, members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide have been encouraged to show their support by ‘going purple’, through their outfit choice, on their social media channels or by decorating their home, office or business.
Buildings across Ireland are also lighting up in purple to show their support, including Garda headquarters, the National Museum, the National Library, the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, the National Concert Hall and Collins Barracks, alongside a number of Government buildings and Garda stations.
Support
You can support #GoPurpleDay by embracing the colour purple at home, while at work, or among friends and family, or by sharing the message on your social media channels.
Those getting involved in the initiative are encouraged to share a photo via social media using the hashtag #GoPurpleDay.